New state parks director vows to restore trust

The department has a budget of nearly $574 million in the current fiscal year, which comes from the state general fund, various bond funds, user fees and off-highway vehicle registration fees.

Howle's audit recommended the parks department establish detailed procedures that compare year-end financial statements to ensure that the ending fund balances reported to the governor's budget and state controller's budget are the same.

She also recommended that officials determine how much it costs to fully operate each park. Jackson told the committee that he will try to have that information by the time the governor updates his budget in May.

"My highest priority has been taking the findings and recommendations of the audits to set a new course," Jackson said. "I have said from the first day that I'm committed to transparency and accountability and to regaining the trust of the people of California."